After a slow start to practice Wednesday that quarterback Tua Tagovailoa described as “needing a jumpstart,” the team responded to the challenge, and did so right away.
Prior to Thursday’s practice, Head Coach Mike McDaniel talked about the value and intent of the joint sessions and drilled the idea of being process-driven compared to results-obsessed.
“We signed up for this because it’s invaluable August work for things that we’ll continue to have to work on regardless of results in September, but they’ll actually count,” he said. “Based upon their responses, we’ll see how valuable (Wednesday) was or how much the lessons weren’t learned from certain things.”
The Dolphins’ response was an emphatic one. Thursday started with both sides of the ball taking it to the Lions in a seven-on-seven period.
Tagovailoa found wide receiver Jaylen Waddle for a pair of touchdowns and scattered three more to wide receivers Erik Ezukanma, Malik Washington and Dee Eskridge.
Eskridge and Washington scored in the final team period as Miami made frequent end zone visits, none more exciting than the final touchdown to Eskridge. After a 30-yard gain to start the period, Eskridge caught a contested pass in the back of the end zone. The referee signaled touchdown and the celebration was on and Eskridge was swarmed by teammates who sprinted off the sidelines.
“I feel like we came out there and dominated and competed,” center Aaron Brewer said. “It just felt good seeing all the guys, we’re out there celebrating together, having fun and just playing with some passion. You felt the energy today, it was contagious.”
The defense flexed one day after quarterback Jared Goff and the Lions put on a show. Goff did find wide receiver Jameson Williams for a 50-yard touchdown and scattered three more red zone scores in the earlier periods, but it was tough sledding between those plays.
Miami’s run defense took it to the Lions’ front. Rookies Kenneth Grant and Jordan Phillips caused pileups and created chances for the linebackers.
“I think when basically any time (Phillips) makes a play, both the sidelines and the players on the field erupt,” Head Coach Mike McDaniel said of Phillips. “I think that tells you a lot.”
McDaniel added: “Relentless approach, very good pad level, super strong, super tough and his teammates like him a lot.”
Linebackers Jordyn Brooks, Tyrel Dodson and K.J. Britt led the charge. They played off the work of the young defensive tackles and piled up the run stuffs and tackles on Lions checkdowns in the passing game.
Few players, if any, have had better camps than Brooks.
“He’s a savvy vet,” Grant said of Brooks. “He’s hard-nosed, brings the energy every single play. He wants to be up there hard-nosed and fitting people up.”
The next time the Dolphins strap it on will be the penultimate game of the preseason. Miami will take on Detroit Saturday at 1p.m. at Ford Field.
For more coverage from Dolphins camp, download the Drive Time Podcast with Travis Wingfield, available wherever you get your podcasts.
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